Everything You Need to Know About Duddingston in Edinburgh
The first time I wandered down from Arthur’s Seat and found myself in Duddingston, it felt like I’d stepped out of Edinburgh and into another century. The city noise was replaced by calm streets, a quiet loch, and a village frozen in time.
Walking around, I could feel its 12th-century roots in the kirk and cobbled lanes. The history here isn’t just in books, but lingers in the tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the way the village has held its character while the city changed around it.
Where is Duddingston?
Duddingston is a historic village in Edinburgh, located at the foot of Arthur’s Seat beside Duddingston Loch.
What is the main street in Duddingston?
Old Church Lane is Duddington’s main street, which runs through the heart of the village.
How to Get to Duddingston
By bus: Several Lothian buses serve the area, with routes like 44 and 42 stopping near Duddingston Village. From the city centre, the ride takes about 20 minutes.
By tram: Edinburgh trams don’t run directly to Duddingston. The nearest stop is York Place/Princes Street, from which you can connect by bus or taxi to the village.
By train: There’s no train station in Duddingston. The closest is Edinburgh Waverley, about 2 miles away, where you can switch to a bus or take a short taxi ride.
By taxi/private hire: A taxi or Uber from the city centre takes around 10 to 15 minutes. It’s the most direct option, especially if you’re heading to the Kirk or Loch.
What to Do and See in Duddingston
Explore Duddingston Kirk
– Media from castlesandcrags
Location: 5 Old Church Lane
Contact: +441316614240
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–6 PM
Stepping into Duddingston Kirk feels like touching the 12th century itself. The Norman stone doorway and ancient walls tell stories older than most of Edinburgh.
Inside, quiet pews and stained glass make it clear this place still holds its weight in history.
Wander through Dr Neil’s Garden
– Media from drneilsgarden
Location: 5 Old Church Lane
Contact: +447849187995
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–5 PM
I stumbled into Dr Neil’s Garden almost by accident, and it looked and felt like a secret world. Created in the 1960s, it’s a peaceful blend of winding paths, rare plants, and loch views.
The garden opens most afternoons, sometimes hosting small concerts and events.
Birdwatch at Duddingston Loch
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Location: Directly south of Holyrood Park
I’ve walked the edge of Duddingston Loch several times, and it always feels calm, with reeds swaying, and Arthur’s Seat rising behind it. As a wildlife reserve, it’s alive with swans, herons, and seasonal migrants.
Birdwatching here is addictive; you never know what might glide across the water!
Take a historical walking tour
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Location: Meeting point usually at Duddingston Kirk Car Park
Guided tours add rich stories about the village’s past, while self-guided routes let you wander at your own pace. It’s interesting, either way.
I once joined a walking tour that started at Duddingston Kirk, which set the tone perfectly. From there, we traced lanes past the kirk, loch, and hidden corners I wouldn’t have noticed.
Marvel at the medieval stone buildings
– Media from crosbyandbruce
Locations: Duddingston Kirk, The Gatehouse, period homes along The Causeway
I found myself pausing at every corner in Duddingston, the medieval stonework catching the light in ways that felt timeless. From the Kirk to the old gatehouse, each wall told its own story.
The Causeway is my favourite stretch, with stone homes framed by Arthur’s Seat in the distance.
Visit the Sheep Heid Inn
– Media from food_of_the_world_2024
Location: 43-45 The Causeway
Contact: +441316617974
Hours:
Monday to Friday, noon–11 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 11.30 AM–11 PM
The knowledge that the Sheep Heid Inn has been pouring pints since 1360 makes it feel extra special to walk in there. The walls seem to hold whispers of royals, poets, and locals who’ve gathered at the inn for centuries.
It’s not just a pub. It’s a big part of Duddingston’s heartbeat, and a visit will show you why.
Join a local event
– Media from rebecca.amiel
Locations: Duddingston Kirk Hall, church and surrounding grounds
Check out upcoming events here.
I once timed a visit with a flower fair near Duddingston Kirk, and it turned the quiet village into a colourful and lively hub. Stalls, music, and friendly faces greeted me.
Other times, I’ve caught craft markets and seasonal gatherings complete with small parades leading to the village hall.
Walk from Arthur’s Seat into Duddingston
– Media from emmanuel_santelli
Location: Holyrood Park
I trekked down Arthur’s Seat one afternoon and suddenly found myself in Duddingston, with the wild hillside giving way to cobbled lanes. The shift from rugged peak to quiet village was memorable.
It felt like two different worlds meeting in one short walk, especially with the loch glimmering at the edge.
Where to Eat and Drink in Duddingston
The Sheep Heid Inn Skittle Alley
– Media from thesheepheid
Location: 43-45 The Causeway
Contact: +441316617974
Hours:
Monday to Friday, noon–11 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 11.30 AM–11 PM
Price: ££
The skittle alley at The Sheep Heid Inn feels like a piece of history, with old photos lining its walls. The atmosphere was warm, and the ambience added a nostalgic twist to our meal.
We tried the roast chicken with Yorkshire pudding, which was superbly cooked. Paired with local beers, it made our whole evening feel traditional and memorable.
The Garden Room 2
– Media from duddingstongardenroom
Location: 15 Old Church Lane
Contact: +441316614240
Hours:
Thursday to Friday, 10 AM–4 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 1–4 PM
Price: £
The Garden Room 2 felt instantly homely, like I’d just dropped by my granny’s for tea. The garden setting and cosy atmosphere make it impossible not to linger.
I had a cup of tea with a Jaffa cake, which was simple but perfect. It’s one of those rare spots in Edinburgh that feels both authentic and comforting.
Duddingston Golf Club Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar
– Media from ccrpaper
Location: 137, 139 Duddingston Rd W
Contact: +441316617688
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–8 PM
Price: ££
I was invited by friends who are members of the Duddingston Golf Club for lunch at the clubhouse, and was surprised that the bar was open to the public. The Boozy Brunch hit the spot with poached eggs, avocado, and a sharp Bloody Mary.
It may not be for everyone, but I found it a relaxed spot where good food and golf mixed easily.
Where to Shop in Duddingston
Farmfoods Ltd
– Media from farmfoodsukofficial
Location: 189 Duddingston Park S
Contact: +441217007160
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8 AM–9 PM
Saturday, 8 AM–8 PM
Sunday, 9 AM–7 PM
Price: £
Farmfoods turned out to be a handy stop during my brief stay in Duddingston. It had free parking right outside, and I could grab all my groceries in one go without overspending.
Since its refurbishment, the place feels brighter and easier to shop in, though it’s always been a solid spot for everyday, affordable essentials.
Scotmid Co-op Duddingston
– Media from scotmid.coop
Location: 191/193 Duddingston Park S
Contact: +441316690520
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–10 PM
Price: £
The Scotmid Co-op is a Duddingston go-to for those who need just a few things. The staff are friendly, quick, and always remember locals’ faces.
I’ve grabbed a hot roll and coffee there several times, and some bonus cream cakes when I was feeling extra peckish.
Holyrood Architectural Salvage
– Media from holyroodsalvage
Location: 146 Duddingston Rd W
Contact: +441316619305
Hours: Monday, Thursday to Saturday, 9 AM–4.30 PM
Price: ££
Holyrood Architectural Salvage helped my Duddingston-based cousin breathe new life into his tired slate fireplace. The team gave it a facelift, refurbished, and e-fitted the fireplace with care and precision.
It’s now the centrepiece of his flat, and I keep admiring it whenever I visit.